A Taste of Colombia

Colombia?Colombia... ? Isn’t that in South Carolina somewhere? Well, there is a city by that name in South Carolina. As well as a university in New York City. But both of those are spelled with a “u” (as in “Columbia”). This Colombia is spelled with two o’s, and in spite of what you may have heard in the news up there in the northern continent, it really is a wonderful place most of the time! Let me give you just a taste of what you can find here...Unbelievable beautyLocated on the extreme northwestern corner of the South American continent, Colombia occupies a privileged piece of real estate with a variety of settings that you have to see to believe. From steamy lowland jungles to permanently snow-clad mountain peaks, from arid desert to some of the wettest land on earth (200 inches of rain, anyone?!), Colombia has a bit of everything.Some experts say Colombia has the greatest variety of birds of any nation in the world. There are over 2,000 species! I have no idea how many varieties of parrots that includes, but it’s a bunch! In addition, there are many varieties of flowers in Colombia. In fact, Colombia exports flowers to the States. The orchid, the national flower, is very famous and beautiful; it abounds here. And I’m not even mentioning the carnations, roses, dahlias, hibiscus, etc, etc. And fish! How do I count them? There are many, many varieties. Even if I limit myself to catfish, they count over 14 varieties, some of which grow to over 200 pounds!Who is the Colombian?But what are the Colombian people like? Well, they’re not unlike humans anywhere else: they cry, work and study and love to laugh! The children like to play games, ride bikes, draw, and go to the park. Teenagers roller blade, bike, play soccer, attend school, do homework, and go to parties. Sports of every kind are popular - karate, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, swimming, dancing, etc - but their absolute favorite is soccer. It’s played everywhere, and in several forms. They also like to sing with the guitar and other instruments.But while they are very similar to us in North America, there are differences as well. Many holidays have a traditionally Catholic flavor. "Semana Santa" is the week before Easter; it is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year. Unfortunately, the death of Christ is emphasized to the point that some people even "punish" themselves by trying to "pay" for their own sins; very little emphasis is given to the free salvation we have in Christ because of His death, burial, and resurrection.Even the smallest hamletSpiritually, Colombia’s condition is as diverse as the topography and other things we’ve mentioned here. Most of the ethnic minorities - from 60 to 100 in number, depending on who is counting - have religious systems superficially Catholic but still deeply rooted in their animistic backgrounds. However, the most common religious tradition of Colombia, by far, is traditional Roman Catholicism. Even the smallest hamlet normally has a large Catholic church at its center.Do my beliefs stand the test?But in the violence of recent years (and even before), many have started to question their traditional practices and beliefs and search for something more. That has led to the growth of the evangelical church in Colombia, particularly in the last 30 years. Some now claim that it includes 4% or more of the population.How can I change lives?The primary need is for messengers of the King willing to spend the time it takes (often years) to form deep relationships and model the Message in a culturally relevant way as well as teach it. But short-term ministries do have a place, especially for those willing to be servants and model grace together with truth as Jesus did. Look for ways you can be a help and blessing to those who have already built relationships with the people, thereby furthering their ministries. That doesn’t mean the short-termer will never share the Word himself, but that is often not the primary source of the blessing they bring. Serve, and humbly let the people know that you are doing it for the King of Kings, not simply because you are a nice person.Service that transformsGive yourself to them, and tell them in a few words why. I’m trying to do what God wants. Like Jesus did. The difference will be notable, whether they say that to you or not. And somewhere down the road, during your two-week stay, or perhaps long after, some will ask - Why? Why were they like that? And the ground will be ready for the Seed.But first it must be tilled and softened. That is perhaps one of the areas of greatest ministry for the short-termer. Not just giving his dollars to help. The sight of a North American in genuine, humble service? That is different. Why did he do that?Let the adventure beginWell, I trust that gives you at least a tiny introduction to life here in Colombia, the country that has been home to us for 26 years now. Obviously you won’t be able to experience everything I’ve mentioned here in a short, two-week visit, but at least it gives you a bit of the flavor of life and of what God is doing in this beautiful and extremely diverse country.Wayne and Becky Smith, missionaries to Colombia